The Tracer posed a design challenge because earlier aircraft had performed airborne warning duties without being developed specifically around that role. Its designation and specialized equipment marked a shift toward purpose-built carrier AEW. The Fairey Gannet provides a useful baseline for later American carrier ASW aircraft. Without that comparison, the distinct capabilities of the Tracker and Viking can appear without their proper context.
Notable Point · 16:07-17:35
A specialist AEW aircraft created a new carrier design problem
The Tracer's place as an early purpose-designed AEW aircraft explains both its unusual form and the lack of easy carrier-aircraft comparisons.